The Seattle Police Department is asking that people pay more attention to car prowl and auto theft prevention noting a recent uptick in these crimes in the area. Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Burbridge said that "For auto theft, just in the SW Precinct:

2016 Jan-April 179
2017 Jan-April 215

Here is the link for the public crime dashboard where community members can go on and see just their neighborhood and compare it to previous years for various crime types:

https://www.seattle.gov/police/information-and-data/crime-dashboard

Auto Theft Prevention Techniques:
• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away, even for ‘just a minute’, please remember this is illegal in Seattle and in Washington (SMC 11.70.160, RCW 46.61.600)
• Remove remote garage door openers from vehicle
• Always lock doors and roll up windows, even if the car is parked in front of your home
• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked
• If possible, park vehicle in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit area
• Utilize anti-theft devices
• If possible, activate alarm

Car Prowl Prevention Techniques:
*Be consistent*
• Never leave valuables in plain view
• Hide chargers and accessories that indicate an electronic device may be in the vehicle
• Remove garage door openers, key cards and other keys from the vehicle
• If possible, park vehicle in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit area
• Install anti-theft devices
• If possible, activate alarm